SHERIFF SETTLES SEXISM LAWSUIT

The former top-ranking woman at the Orange County Sheriff's Office has dropped a sex-discrimination lawsuit in exchange for a cash settlement and a promotion.

The Sheriff's Office will pay $76,250 to Marianne Scholer, who was demoted after Sheriff Kevin Beary's 1992 election.

Scholar was one of five majors in the department when a transition team evaluated majors, captains and lieutenants under former Sheriff Walt Gallagher to help Beary select his top staff.

After the evaluation Scholer - the only woman major - was dropped two ranks to lieutenant. Three majors dropped one rank to captain. One became a commander, a new rank above captain. The rank of major was abolished.